FAIRBANKS — Two Fairbanks police officers and an Alaska State Trooper fired their weapons, killing Brandon Michael Roberts, 31, in the Bentley Mall parking lot on Sunday. The incident occurred after a probation officer contacted law enforcement regarding Roberts.

Police stated Roberts pointed a handgun at an officer during a pursuit. The Fairbanks Police Department released a body-camera image showing a man pointing a weapon at an officer and a photo of a gun recovered at the scene. Department spokesperson Teal Soden said Fairbanks Police Chief Ron Dupee determined releasing the photos would assist public understanding without compromising the investigation.

A probation officer called 911 after spotting Roberts, who was wanted on a probation warrant related to a prior burglary. The officer told dispatchers that Roberts, a convicted felon, appeared to be illegally carrying a gun. Roberts fled after officers located him.

Trooper Julien Dreher, a two-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers, was identified as one of the officers who discharged their weapons. Fairbanks Police Officer Matthew Pugh, a one-year veteran, also fired. Pugh previously served five years with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in Memphis as a field training officer and certified crisis intervention team deputy. Gregory Stratman, the second Fairbanks officer to discharge his weapon, has one year of local experience and over five years at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, where he served on the crisis intervention and critical incident response teams.

Fairbanks Mayor Mindy O'Neill wrote that any loss of life is tragic and extended her thoughts to Roberts' family and the officers. Soden added that the remaining body-camera footage will be released after the investigation is complete.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference and Fairbanks Native Association issued a joint statement extending condolences to Roberts' family and identifying him as a community member. The organizations stated they are working with local law enforcement and the City of Fairbanks to stay informed and provide support. "Our organizations also have an important responsibility to advocate on behalf of the Alaska Native community," the statement said. It added, "We will continue to stay engaged, seek transparency, and ensure our community's voices, concerns, and needs are heard as more information becomes available."